As a photographer of models from 18 to their early 30s, a friend to more young women than men, and indeed someone who has over the last 15 years dated a few beautiful women, I have noticed something... So many beautiful people are convinced they are fat and/or ugly.

Ugly is a subjective concept-- and even if you believe in it, it's a rare thing. Regardless, beauty can be found anywhere, and most especially beautiful people have no idea at all.

Over the years, this has become a pet cause of mine. The main way I do something about it is via my photography, where I often have a chance to present people with absolute proof of how good they can look.

Stop and think about that-- Virtually all of the models in my photos are part-time models, who do this as a hobby. Even more of them have expressed, even to me, some real concerns about their looks. Even these amazing girls don't realize it-- So if you don't think you're amazing, maybe you just don't see it yourself.


Now, I'm going to try something new...


--- Start copying here, modifying as appropriate, if you would like to participate by volunteering someone ---

It is called "Project Self-Estememe", and I hope you will join me. The idea is to give someone a homework project, where with your encouragement, they themselves will create proof of their own beauty. Think of it as glamour self-portrait therapy.

Here's what you do:

1. Volunteer someone, by posting this in your journal. You can see an example below, just change the details as appropriate. (Send them a comment/note if they won't see your journal.) This shows that you support them, but will also make it hard for them to wuss out.

2. Give them three assignments, and a specific but reasonable deadline (4-8 weeks out) to complete them. Each assignment should be a different idea for a photographic self-portrait series, designed to overcome shyness, hangups, etc. but above all to show the person how good they can look. I'm including three ideas in my example, below, feel free to stick with them or come up with your own twists. Just be respectful to the person you're singling-out!

3. Make sure they complete the assignment! This means lots of encouragement, and nagging. Use your imagination on how best to accomplish this, and remember your victim will be quite nervous so be nice.

4. Post the results once they are done, in a feature to show off their beautiful works. Privately, give them constructive critiques on how the artworks could have been better. Be kind and positive but realistic. Show them the beauty you find in the photos.

5. Change things up: Don't be afraid to change any of the details, in order to best help your friend see his/her true beauty. Change the number of assignments, volunteer to be the photographer, anything you want that makes it work.


To do my part, I am volunteering INSERT LINK TO USERNAME HERE. I have set a deadline of INSERT DATE HERE. Here are the assignments:

1.) Black and White Portraits
Black and white portrait(s), which must show your whole face. This means no making faces, no blowing out the contrast so we can't make out your face clearly, no blurring past recognition, etc.

A good example of a deviant to check out for inspiration is ~PinkShit


2.) "Artistic Nude" Style
These photos should be in the style of artistic nudes, but given the nature of the idea (volunteering someone) they of course don't at all need to be revealing. The idea is to be naked with yourself in front of the camera, but the photos themselves should probably be rated PG. (That's up to the person doing the assignments.)

A good example of deviants to check out for inspiration are ~minon-minon and *popsongs


3.) Standing Outdoors
The final category is full-length standing portrait(s) taken outdoors. These should be in color, and I encourage doing interesting things with the tone of these to enhance the setting. You should be standing facing the camera (no shots with your back to the camera) with your face clearly visible.

A good example of a deviant to check out for inspiration =Auriethepixie


Can you think of someone on here who likes to hide her face? Who thinks she is fat, or ugly? Volunteer her (or him!) and inspire someone with their own beauty. (You can feel free to do more than one, but one at a time is best)

Spread the word. Help show someone how they really look. I hope that people will take part in this idea, and help it spread and grow. Ugliness is far more rare than people thing, and beauty can be found anywhere.

--- Stop copying here ---


To get the ball rolling, I have singled-out one of my most supportive fans, who I think could use some encouragement. You can see it in my journal, in This Entry. (I won't post her details here and embarass her further.)

=photoswithattitude has also already nominated someone. To read his example, a great twist on the basic idea, check out This Entry in His Journal!